WEST OF METRO TORONTO. First opened in 1969 with forty lions, this family-owned wildlife park has grown to include over a thousand animals. The animals roam freely in large habitats, and guests drive through safari-style. The park has a very successful captive breeding program, so you'll likely see some animal youngsters along the way. In addition, there's lots of other fun stuff to see and do, including Misumu Bay Wet Play area, Jungle Playground, animal demonstrations and performances, a train tour and a lake cruise. Safari Bus tours of the animal reserves are available for an additional fee. There are two full-service restaurants, several snack carts, and two gift shops in the park.

DOWNTOWN. Heritage Toronto offers historic and architectural walking tours during summer months. Popular subjects include Toronto's churches, banks, cemeteries, and neighborhoods, as well as the Distillery Historic District and the University of Toronto. Occasional daylong treks are popular as well and cover such topics as archaeology and Toronto's aboriginal history. Departure points and times vary, as do difficulty levels and topics. Call for details.

DOWNTOWN. Located within the Redpath Refinery, this museum details cane and sugar beet growing areas, the origins and production of sugar, nutrition, and the Redpath family. Since the museum is located in an industrial facility, it's recommended that visitors phone ahead for tours. SUBWAY: Bay station number 6 S. bus to Cooper St./Toronto Star Bldg.; Sherbourne subway ­ bus S. to Queen's Quay E. and Jarvis St; Union Station ­ Queen's Quay LRT to Queen's Quay E. stop.

DOWNTOWN. Home of the Toronto Blue Jays, this breathtaking facility features the world's fastest retractable dome. The stadium also hosts the Toronto Argonauts Football Club. An amazing array of other events is scheduled here as well, from charity functions to trade shows to rock concerts. A hotel is located center field, and of their 348 rooms, 70 have direct views of the field. There's also a Hard Rock Cafe. And heads up ladies ­ this stadium has more women's restrooms than any other in North America (not that you won't still find a line, but it should be a little shorter!).

DOWNTOWN. Founded in 1827, this public institution has been ranked the number one medical doctoral school by Maclean's magazine for several years. Among the many programs offered are engineering, architecture, education, humanities, landscape activities, mathematics, medicines, music, and social sciences. A variety of architectural styles (contemporary, Gothic, Victorian) and greenspaces add distinctive character to the campus. During the summer, there are wonderful and informative historic walking tours of the campus as well.